Top 10 Safest Cities in Southeast Asia

1. Singapore (Singapore)

Let me just say this loud and clear. Singapore is my favorite city in the world. I’ve been there so many times, I’ve actually lost count. And while there are a hundred things I love about Singapore, the one that always tops the list is how incredibly safe it is.

In fact, Singapore is hands down the safest city in the whole of Southeast Asia. You feel it the moment you land. I’ve walked around at night with camera gear in my hand, sat in cafés watching locals leave their phones and laptops unattended while they went to the counter, and taken the MRT with complete peace of mind. It’s a level of safety you don’t just read about online. You actually experience it, in the little everyday things.

Here I am at Clarke Quay in Singapore, one of my favorite spots in Singapore. I’ve taken so many pictures here and every time I come back, it feels just as beautiful. That mix of water, architecture, and clean peaceful surroundings is hard to beat. Singapore has a way of making you feel safe and inspired at the same time. This place never gets old for me.

The trains are clean and well-guarded, the streets are brightly lit and monitored, and there’s this sense of order that just puts you at ease. But what really stands out to me is that Singapore’s safety doesn’t just come from tough laws or enforcement. I strongly believe that it’s part of the culture of the people. The average person respects each other’s space and property. You come here and you instantly notice this. It’s like a shared understanding that everyone has a role in keeping the city safe.

Every time I visit, I’m reminded why I keep going back. I’ve traveled to many places, but Singapore continues to raise the bar. Safety, efficiency, and respect all wrapped into one beautiful city. That’s why, for me, Singapore goes beyond just the realm of a place to visit to a place to admire.

A very surprising moment in SG

I remember this moment clearly because it left such a strong impression on me. I was having a meal at a casual spot on Sentosa Island, enjoying the atmosphere and calm surroundings. At some point, I got up to use the bathroom and accidentally left my phone on the table. In most places around the world, that phone would have been long gone by the time I returned. But in Singapore? When I came back, it was right there.

I was beyond amazed to find out that no one had touched it. That moment amazed me beyond comprehension. It was a small thing, but it spoke volumes about how safe and respectful this country is. Experiences like that are why I keep coming back to Singapore again and again and why I often recommend it to fellow travelers.

NOTE: It should be noted that in addition to being the safest city in Southeast Asia, Singapore is also Southeast Asia’s most developed country.

“In Singapore, safety isn’t something you think about… it’s something you live without even realizing it.”

2. Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei)

The capital of Brunei is as peaceful as cities come. It’s quiet, conservative, and well-maintained with one of the lowest crime rates in the region. Life moves slowly here, and people are respectful and soft-spoken.

Tourists might find it sleepy, but if your goal is safety and serenity, Bandar Seri Begawan is unmatched. I’ve wandered around on foot here and was struck by the stillness and ease of it all.

3. George Town (Penang, Malaysia)

George Town is one of my favorite cities in Southeast Asia. Not only is it one of the most colorful places I’ve ever visited, but it also feels incredibly safe. Locals are warm and used to tourists, and there’s a strong sense of community throughout the neighborhoods.

Whether you’re enjoying street food at night or biking through historic lanes during the day, George Town gives you a feeling of comfort and that’s priceless.

4. Chiang Mai (Thailand)

Chiang Mai is known as the digital nomad capital of Asia and part of the reason why so many foreigners settle here is because of how safe it feels. It’s slower-paced than Bangkok, less chaotic, and filled with kind-hearted locals.

Women traveling solo love Chiang Mai for its relaxed vibe and low risk of crime. I’ve done early-morning temple walks and late-night market strolls here with zero worries.

5. Da Nang (Vietnam)

Da Nang doesn’t get as much attention as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but that’s part of its charm. It’s clean and relatively quiet. And of course it is very safe for travelers. The beach is beautiful, the roads are calmer, and people are genuinely kind and helpful.

I met a French couple who relocated here and said the safety and friendliness were the main reasons they stayed long-term. I can see why.

6. Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

Kuala Lumpur might be a busy and fast-paced capital, but when it comes to safety, it honestly does quite well. I’ve personally walked through areas like Bukit Bintang and Brickfields late at night and felt completely fine. I did not experience any strange encounters. Neither did I have to deal with any worrying situations.

You walk through the streets of KL and all you see are just regular people going about their business. One thing I really appreciate is how reliable the public transport system is. The trains are decent, efficient, and easy to navigate, even if you’re new to the city.

Exploring Kuala Lumpur under the bright Malaysian sun. This city never stops impressing me.

Plus, the people in KL are generally respectful. You don’t feel watched or on edge, even when you’re in crowded places like markets or central stations. That sense of ease is something you come to value a lot when traveling. Of course, like any big city, KL has its share of petty crimes like pickpocketing, especially in busy tourist areas. But it’s not overwhelming or out of control. A bit of common sense, like keeping your bag zipped and not waving your phone around carelessly, goes a long way.

If you’re visiting Malaysia and planning to stay in KL for a few days, don’t stress too much about safety. Be aware, stay smart, and I can promise you’ll likely find it just as welcoming and comfortable as I did.

7. Vientiane (Laos)

Laos’ capital is small, laid-back, and safe… the kind of place where life moves slowly and calmly. There’s not much in the way of nightlife or chaos, so trouble is rare. I found the locals to be respectful and the city easy to navigate on foot or bike.

If you’re looking for quiet, peaceful travel without the stress, Vientiane delivers.

8. Siem Reap (Cambodia)

Siem Reap is built around tourism, and safety is a big part of why so many visitors return. The locals are friendly, the tuk-tuk drivers aren’t aggressive, and there’s a genuine sense of hospitality everywhere you go.

Even as a solo traveler with expensive camera gear, I’ve never had a single issue walking around Siem Reap… even after dark near the markets or riverside areas.

9. Ubud (Bali, Indonesia)

Ubud is Bali’s cultural heart, and it also happens to be one of the safest cities in Indonesia. It’s full of yoga lovers, eco-retreats, and health-conscious travelers …and it shows. People are mindful, roads are calm, and crime is very low.

Most locals are used to tourism and treat visitors with kindness and care. I spent a week here solo and felt safe every single moment.

10. Davao City (Philippines)

Davao City is often called the safest city in the Philippines… and for good reason. It’s clean, well-organized, and has a low crime rate thanks to strict local governance. Many travelers are surprised by how calm and structured it feels compared to Manila or Cebu.

Locals are very disciplined, and public spaces are orderly. Even solo female travelers have spoken highly of the peace of mind they feel here.